15 Self-Love Affirmations For Plus-Size Women
As a plus-size woman, self-love can be a complex concept to embrace. No, I didn’t grow up believing my worth was based on my size; however, society often would base a woman’s value on her appearance – “You’re too big,” “You should have an hourglass figure,” etc. Also, mainstream media perpetuated narrow beauty standards, leading many to struggle with body image and self-esteem.
Therefore, for plus-size women, embracing self-love can be particularly empowering, as it challenges societal beauty standards and promotes body positivity. Finding self-love is a journey that holds immense significance for plus-size women. It involves challenging societal norms, cultivating self-acceptance, and celebrating the beauty and worth inherent in every individual.
One way to learn self-love is by practicing daily affirmations. Affirmations are a powerful tool that can help foster self-acceptance and boost self-esteem. Here are 15 self-love affirmations you can incorporate into your daily routine, cultivate a positive mindset, and embrace your beauty, curves, and all.
JLco-Julia Amarai/ Getty Images
15 Self-Love Affirmations
I am worthy of love and respect, regardless of my size. In a society that often equates worth with physical appearance, it is essential to remind yourself that your size does not define your value. You deserve love, respect, and happiness just as you are.
I embrace my body and celebrate its strength and beauty. Shift your focus from perceived flaws to appreciating the strength and beauty of your body. Recognize all that your body has accomplished and the unique ways it carries you through life.
I am more than my physical appearance; my worth extends far beyond my size. Your worth as an individual goes beyond physical appearances. Emphasize your accomplishments, intelligence, kindness, and qualities that make you remarkable.
I choose to surround myself with people who uplift and support me. Surround yourself with positive influences who celebrate your body and encourage your self-love journey. Seek out friends, family, and communities embracing body diversity and encouraging self-acceptance.
I release the need for society's validation and define my own beauty standards. Challenge societal beauty standards and define beauty on your own terms. Reject that your worth depends on external validation and embrace your unique beauty.
I release the need for society's validation and define my own beauty standards. Challenge societal beauty standards and define beauty on your own terms. Reject that your worth depends on external validation and embrace your unique beauty.
I am grateful for my body, and all it does for me.Practice gratitude for your body and all the incredible things it allows you to do. Focus on your body's functionality, strength, and resilience rather than its appearance.
I am comfortable and confident in my own skin. Develop a sense of comfort and confidence in your own skin. Recognize that your worth is not contingent upon fitting into societal norms but on your ability to embrace and express yourself authentically.
I nourish my body with love and kindness. Adopt a self-care routine that emphasizes nourishing your body physically, mentally, and emotionally. Prioritize activities and practices that make you feel good, whether nourishing foods, exercise, mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
I am an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. Become an advocate for body positivity and inclusivity for yourself and others. Spread awareness, challenge stereotypes, and promote acceptance of all body types.
I am allowed to set boundaries and prioritize my well-being. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love. Recognize your limits and prioritize your well-being. Surround yourself with people who respect and support your boundaries.
LPETTET/ Getty Images
I am proud of my journey and the person I am becoming. Acknowledge and celebrate your journey of self-love and personal growth. Embrace the person you are becoming and take pride in your accomplishments, both big and small.
I forgive myself for opposing thoughts or judgments about my body. Release yourself from the burden of self-judgment. Forgive yourself for any negative thoughts or judgments you may have held about your body in the past. Choose to focus on self-acceptance and compassion instead.
I forgive myself for opposing thoughts or judgments about my body. Release yourself from the burden of self-judgment. Forgive yourself for any negative thoughts or judgments you may have held about your body in the past. Choose to focus on self-acceptance and compassion instead.
I am beautiful, inside and out. Recognize and affirm your own beauty, both inside and out. Remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes; your unique qualities make you truly beautiful.
I choose self-love over self-criticism. Make a conscious choice to replace self-criticism with self-love. Whenever negative thoughts arise, redirect your focus to affirmations that promote self-acceptance and self-care.
I am enough, exactly as I am. Embrace the powerful affirmation that you are enough, exactly as you are. Remember daily that your worth is not defined by your size or appearance but by your inherent value as a human being.
Embrace your body, celebrate your worth, and stand as a beacon of empowerment for other plus-size women on their own self-love journeys. You are beautiful, and you are deserving of love and acceptance exactly as you are.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Erika Dominiquini/ Getty Images
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
'Finding Tony' Director Raven Magwood Goodson And Star Stephen Bishop On Telling Authentic Stories On Screen
In cinema, stories often serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of our experiences. Finding Tony, the latest cinematic gem from millennial director Raven Magwood Goodson, takes us on a profound journey of trauma, redemption, and resilience. With the magnetic performance of lead actor Stephen Bishop, this film shines a light on the struggles and triumphs we face daily. Through the lens of mentorship, community, and self-discovery, Finding Tony invites audiences to journey alongside its characters as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and everything in between.
In the process, it sparks conversations, challenges assumptions, and inspires viewers to embrace their own stories with pride and authenticity. As the film prepares to make its mark on the cinematic landscape, it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Executive-produced by NBA star Anthony Davis, Finding Tony not only adds another layer to the tapestry of Black narratives in cinema but also reaffirms the significance of our voices in shaping the cultural conversation.
Crafting Calm in the Creative Storm
As Black women, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care amidst the demands of our daily lives. Raven Magwood Goodson, the visionary behind Finding Tony, embodies this ethos with unwavering grace and determination. In our conversation, she shared her strategies for nurturing her well-being amidst the whirlwind of filmmaking, offering valuable insights into the importance of prioritizing self-care in pursuit of creative excellence.
"While shooting, I was all into the film. No one knew, but I was pregnant and 2-3 months along. After production, you have a long period of post-production, and we spent months editing, going back, rewatching, and adding music,” Raven explains. “During that time, I was able to prioritize myself and my family. It’s a matter of being intentional for me and knowing these are the things I have to do for the film or for other businesses I have. I'm very intentional about whether it's work or play and making sure everything gets my attention.”
Amplifying Black Narratives in Cinema
Anthony Davis (L) and Raven Magwood Goodson (R).
Courtesy
Our stories matter, serving as the heartbeat of our collective experiences. Authentic representation on screen is not just a desire but a necessity, and Finding Tony emerges as a powerful testament to the importance of reclaiming our narratives. In our dialogue with Raven, we delved into her vision for the film and its profound impact on Black stories in cinema.
"I just want to be able to be an advocate, whether it's through the actual storytelling or my own life, for individuals that look like me. I know the importance of being able to watch TV and have an example because, being a brown-skinned girl growing up, sometimes you look and you don't see those examples,” Raven says. “To have women and little girls come up to me and say how much I've motivated them and that they want to write a book or a movie because of me means the world to me.”
Authorship Amplified: Raven's Journey to Filmmaking Mastery
Black women are no strangers to wearing many hats, navigating various roles and responsibilities with unparalleled grace. Raven epitomizes this multifaceted brilliance, seamlessly transitioning from author and motivational speaker to director. In our conversation, she shared how her experiences in these diverse domains equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to lead with confidence and creativity in the realm of filmmaking.
"I get the distinct opportunity to speak to a lot of different types of people, young people, women, men, and athletes about their experiences. I got the inspiration for Finding Tony. I've met a lot of different individuals, youth, whether that's in high school or college, that had similar experiences to [the lead character] Destiny and the film,” Raven shares. “I've also spoken to a lot of mentors, and people have gone through adversity and found themselves in a Tony space as well. My experience in speaking, writing, and getting to know different audiences shaped my viewpoint to be able to write this story.”
Game Plan to Script: Stephen's Playbook for Acting Success
Stephen Bishop
Courtesy
In a world that often underestimates our abilities, the Black community continues to excel in diverse arenas. Stephen Bishop's journey from professional athlete to actor resonates deeply with our own experiences of resilience and adaptability. As a former Atlanta Braves player, Stephen talked about how his background in sports equipped him for the challenges of portraying a complex character in Finding Tony.
“In sports, you learn a lot of life lessons and can use a lot of those to help inform your characters when you're in different roles. But specifically, this role, it helped because I’ve been an athlete who's had to retire,” Stephen says.
“I am a current coach, so I know what the transition was like. I know a lot of the emotions you go through and things you battle with when you're looking at athletes that you're trying to get to level themselves up. It was a very fortunate coincidence that I happened to be an ex-professional athlete who was going to play this role. It played a big part in me being able to be as comfortable as I was in the role.”
A Role Written in the Stars: Stephen's Path to 'Finding Tony’
Raven shares that her decision to cast Stephen in the lead role of Tony was a moment of intuitive certainty, sparked by his compelling performance in Terminal List alongside Chris Pratt. Upon witnessing his talent, she knew without hesitation that he was the perfect person to capture the essence of Tony Greene. The very next day, fueled by conviction, she reached out to her casting director, passionately advocating to do whatever it took to secure Stephen for the pivotal role. This bold move speaks volumes about Raven's unwavering commitment to bringing her vision to life with authenticity and excellence.
As Stephen reflects on this pivotal moment from his perspective, he shares, "They told me about it and sent the script. [My team and I] all read it the same day, and then the next day, we all got back on the phone, and I said, ‘I really like this.’ A lot of times in my career, by the grace of God, I've played the love interest, and I've been in a couple. I've been really wanting to move into roles where I could just be a standalone character and have my storyline drive the film or the television show without it being at the whim of the relationship. And this role came along and it was not only that, but it was an opportunity for me to really show myself and others what kind of chops I really have because there's a huge emotional arc.”
L-R: Raven Magwood Goodson, Stephen Bishop, and David Banner on set of "Finding Tony."
Courtesy
As today marks the release of Finding Tony, it's not just a film hitting the screens; it's a testament to the power of determination. Shot in a mere 17 days, this cinematic gem shows the sheer dedication and grit of its creators. Director Raven Magwood Goodson, amidst her battles, led the charge with unwavering strength and grace, proving that obstacles are merely stepping stones to greatness. Through late nights and unforeseen hurdles, her unwavering vision shone bright, guiding the cast and crew through the rollercoaster ride of production.
Finding Tony reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there's beauty to be found, strength to be discovered, and purpose to be fulfilled. So, as we prepare to immerse ourselves in Tony's journey, let's raise a glass to the triumphs of creativity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the pursuit of art.
Finding Tony - Official Trailer
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy